Resident Inducted into Wrestling Hall of Fame

Resident Frank Fodera, Jr. was inducted into the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (MIWCA) Hall of Fame Saturday. Fodera was coached by Sergeant Larry Tremblay.

Fodera was voted "Outstanding Wrestler" twice during his wrestling career at Winchester High School. He graduated in 1997, after an undefeated senior year. His record from that year, 50-0, has never been broken. His entire career record: 157-12. He was ranked fourth in the country by USA Today and named Boston Globe Wrestler of the Year and All American.

One of the most defining moments of his career was beating undefeated New England Champion Chris Sweatman at the Massachusetts All-State Championships in 1996. At the time, he was only a junior.

"It was the moment that really took me to the next level," Fodera said.

Tremblay coached Fodera when he was in high school, and still coaches the Winchester High wrestling team to this day.

“Frank is our first wrestler from Winchester High to enter the Hall of Fame,” said Coach Larry “The Legend” Tremblay. “With Frank, I always knew I had someone special.”

Fodera is honored to be recognized by his peers and proud to have the support of his family.

"I'm honored to be recognized by the Hall of Fame Committee after all these years, and I'm glad that my family, including my daughter and son, are here to witness it."

As a committee member of the Winchester Wrestling Hall of Fame Fodera still supports high school wrestling.

About two years ago, Winchester High School's wrestling room was almost closed. Without a proper ventilation system, bacteria, mold, stale air, and old wrestling mats caused infections, fatigue, nose bleeds and more for the wrestlers and coaches. Fodera worked with local organizations and parents to raise money and renovate the room.  

Within two months, Fodera renovated the room, devised a system that would improve the air and purchased new mats.

“I saw the urgency of giving the kids the environment they needed to be successful and healthy,” Fodera said of the project. 

Today, Fodera is the Principal of East Coast Developments, Inc., which constructed . He lives in town with his wife and two children Sophia, 7, and James, 5.